Humans have consumed oats since 400BC. Oats were introduced to North America in the early 1600s and were used to relieve stomach discomfort and other ailments. Oats are a high-energy food. Oats are high in dietary fiber, low in fat and have high concentrations of many micronutrients including important vitamins and minerals that are thought to prevent aging, lower cholestrol, and reduce the incidence of cancer. Oats have particularly high levels of beta-glucans that have been proven effective in lowering serum cholesterol. Oats are also high in insoluble fibers that may be effective in reducing carcinogens in the gastrointestinal tract helping to prevent colon cancer. The soluble fibers found in oats have been found to slow the rate of increase in blood glucose levels that normally follows a meal. As a result oats can be used to help manage Type II diabetes. Other dietary advantages of oats are: